AUA’s David Davidian Publishes a Unique Geopolitical Study

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The American University of Armenia (AUA) is proud to share that David Davidian, adjunct lecturer at AUA’s Akian College of Science and Engineering (CSE), has recently published a study on Armenia’s Existential Threats and Strategic Issues. The publication is the fifteenth Geopolitical Handbook of Modern Diplomacy, a platform for assessing and evaluating complex international issues. The online handbook will be available at the AUA AGBU Papazian Library. 

The paper aims to introduce the reader to Armenia, the threats to its existence, and its strategic issues. Secondly, it serves as a tutorial on the wide-ranging issues invoked in shaping a nation-state’s grand strategy. Within a dynamic grand strategy, such components as goals, varied interests, elements of state security, accurate projections, understanding, and ongoing evaluation of internal societal, economic, regional, international threats, and assets must be considered. Resources, instruments of power, objectives, commitments, and political guidance, all contribute to a state’s grand strategy. Armenia’s interests and strategic assets are introduced in a case-based analysis for increasing the sovereignty of the country.

This study is unique in three ways. First, it provides an overview of and identifies Armenia’s geo-military threats and suggests actions that increase sovereignty. Second, it puts into perspective the elements of a state’s interests and Grand Strategy, the latter begging for a concise treatment. Third, it defines a Grand Strategy and delineates Armenia’s unique assets and threats that form the basis for further definition and implementation. Some suggestions and analyses offered are apparent, while others may be controversial.

The Armenian translation of the paper is underway.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.